The Atlanta Braves have a lot of reasons to aim for at least one major free agent signing this offseason to push their roster closer to a championship level. But it’s not all about the big-ticket players—sometimes, a well-timed, strategic acquisition can make just as much of a difference. One intriguing option the Braves could explore in that category? Veteran outfielder Michael Conforto.
R.J. Anderson at CBS Sports recently pointed to Conforto as a potential match for the Braves. After a promising 2024 season with the San Francisco Giants, where he notched over 50 extra-base hits, Conforto showed he still has plenty of pop in his bat. And keep in mind, he did all this while playing home games in a notoriously pitcher-friendly park that likely held back his home run numbers.
Statcast data backs this up, suggesting that San Francisco’s Oracle Park was one of the least favorable parks for him in terms of power. So, in theory, moving to a more hitter-friendly stadium like Truist Park could help him take things to the next level.
While Conforto’s bat certainly appeals, his skill set also has some limitations. For one, he tends to perform best against right-handed pitching and is less effective against lefties. Defensively, he doesn’t exactly bring Gold Glove skills to the corner outfield, which has raised questions about his ideal role on any team.
Conforto might be best suited as a designated hitter at this career stage, which presents a complication for the Braves. Atlanta already has a go-to DH in Marcell Ozuna, whose club option for 2025 has been picked up. So, if Conforto were to join the roster, he’d likely need to contribute in the outfield, where he’s not exactly stellar.
Adding to the mix, the Braves urgently need depth in the outfield. Ronald Acuña Jr., the team’s star right fielder, isn’t expected to be ready for Opening Day in 2025, and they just traded outfielder Jorge Soler to the Angels. Soler’s trade did free up some salary, but it also left a hole in Atlanta’s lineup, especially given Soler’s bat power.
Soler’s paycheck of $15 million for 2025 wasn’t cheap, and here’s where Conforto becomes an interesting option financially. Spotrac projects Conforto’s market value at around $4.7 million, which is significantly more manageable. If the Braves can bring him on board for something close to that figure, Conforto’s offense could be worth the gamble, even if he’s only a modest defensive upgrade.
Of course, other teams are keeping an eye on Conforto, too. Besides the Braves, the Cincinnati Reds and Houston Astros are reportedly interested, so Atlanta might face some competition. But with the right offer, Conforto could add some much-needed depth to a Braves lineup aiming to fill gaps while keeping their budget in check.
